Northwest Inspirations for Tacoma Composers

Margaret Shelton
Tacoma Composers: world premiers of compositions by Tacoma composers Rob Hutchinson, Greg Youtz, Deborah Anderson and Kareem Kandi. In creating this program, I asked our composers to write a piece inspired by something or someone of special interest here in the Northwest.

As part of the Metal-Urge aspect of the Tacoma Arts Month, we'll hear an improvised work by Miho Takekawa on vibraphones (a metallophone, made of metal bars).

Many familiar faces will be on stage Tuesday! Besides returning composers Rob, Greg and Deborah, several performers from past Classical Tuesdays concerts have been invited by the composers to perform their works:  we welcome back mezzo-soprano Dawn Padula (2013 Wine & Song), cellist Stuart Hake (The Manette Trio, November 2011), harpist Margaret Shelton (October 2013), and Miho Takekawa (January 2010, February 2011,September 2014).
New to the series is composer/saxophonist Kareem Kandi and his Trio and also mezzo-soprano Erin Calata.

Join us October 14 for a fun evening and a chance to meet and greet some of Tacoma's finest music-makers!

Thank you to our MANY SUPPORTERS:  
A big Thank You especially to Slavonian-American Benevolent Society for the use of their beautiful, historic hall.
Tacoma Arts Commission has awarded us financial support each of these 10 years.
The John Connelly Law Offices contribute financially and in the use of their lovely space for our Wine & Song each December.
Kathy Manke of The Spar is a strong supporter, financially and in-kind.
Dr. Nicole Ancich, dentist in Old Town, has covered the costs of printing posters, flyers, and programs for this entire season.
North End neighbor Nicola Tollefson is a loyal contributor to our series.
Nancy Muse of Bayview Optical supports us financially and in-kind.
Cathy Russell of Hawthorn Tea Room donates lovely teas and cookies each month.
Brad Carpenter of Treos donates delicious coffee each month.
Sonie Hansen of Ginkgo Wine Tasting Room donates the excellent wines for Wine & Song in December.
Pauline Zeitler, Manager of Old Town Columbia Bank branch, keeps our books in order. 
Many concert attendees help with the setting up and break down of chairs and tables each concert, under the direction of Kathleen Butler and Dave Kresch.
Refreshments are beautifully handled by volunteers, led by Barb Bourscheidt and Alexis Macdonald.
All our greeters are volunteers, led by Karen Trueman, Karen Goettling and members of SAI Joanne Iverson, Karen Oleson, Sue Docken.

THANK YOU! One and all. We could not present a series of free concerts for our community without your sustenance and encouragement.


Summer weather reigned on Concert in the Park

On the lovely evening of September 9 we gathered on the lawn of Old Town Park for a Classical Tuesdays' Concert. The warm wood sounds of the marimba and Andean flutes, produced by The Miho & Diego Duo, wafted on the gentle summer breeze. Miho Takekawa and Diego Coy were joined by Lamont Atkinson and Frank Anderson on drums.  Frank delighted us with his dancing to the (mostly) Latin beat.

Miho on the Marimba
Miho & Diego with Lamont and Frank

Dancing Frank


The concert was nicely featured in  the TNT and also in the Weekly Volcano




Thank you! Miho & Diego Duo and Friends Lamont and Frank for a lovely evening in Old Town Park.

Kick-Off for 2014-15 Season is September 9

Concert in Old Town Park
bring blankets or chairs, pick up picnic foods at local eateries

The 10th Season of Classical Tuesdays in Old Town starts  
Tuesday September 9 at 5:30pm in Old Town Park

Miho & Diego Duo and Friends return by popular demand !

Miho & Diego Duo

Join us for an exciting performance of the Sounds of Japan and Latin AmericaMiho Takekawa on the marimba and Diego Coy playing the quena, a traditional Andean flute.  Miho and Diego combine their distinctive warm, natural wood sounds and take the listener on a musical journey from Japan to South America. Playing a brand of music that is truly their own, the Duo’s repertoire covers an amazingly wide range of styles with an innovative approach.  They have produced 4 CDs  featuring music of the Andes, traditional South American folk, Brazilian, Japanese, jazz and Latin jazz music, and original compositions.  

Dr Miho Takekawa, originally from Tokyo, Japan, is percussion lecturer at Pacific Lutheran University as well as Japan Tour Coordinator and Activities Liaison for the University of Washington.

Diego Coy is from Santiago de Cali, Colombia, where he was Director of “Fundacion Viva La Musica” and “Fundacion Funmusica” in Cali.  Since arriving in Seattle in 2003, Diego has performed at many regional festivals and received a recording grant from the King County 4CultureSpecial Project and the “Quinbaya Award” from Centro Cultural Hispano Americano Organization in Washington.

1st concert of the season
Miho & Diego Duo 

When & where:
Tuesday, September 9, 2014, 5:30pm

Old Town Park
Free and Family Friendly!
Bring blankets or chairs to sit on the lawn
purchase picnic foods from neighborhood eateries

More information:
(253) 752-2135
Facebook event

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town announces our 2014-15 Season

For our 10th season, Classical Tuesdays features an amazing array of musical events.

Check out the offerings, mark your calendars, watch for updates on this blog .

1st concert of the season 
Miho & Diego Duo 

When & where:
Tuesday, September 9, 2014, 5:30pm

Old Town Park

Free/donations appreciated
All ages welcome
Bring blankets or chairs to sit on the lawn
purchase picnic foods from neighborhood eateries

More information:
(253) 752-2135
Facebook event

Thank you all for the best season yet!

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town 
and Old Town Business & Professional Association 
gratefully thank our generous supporters:

Spotlight on our Loyal and Generous Donors!
Slavonian-American Benevolent Society and Slavonian Hall manager John Petrinovich
Tacoma Arts Commission
John Connelly Law Offices, Jack and Angela Connelly
The Spar, proprietor Kathleen Manke
Nicola Tollefson, North End friend and supporter
SAI Music Fraternity, Tacoma Alumnae Chapter
Nancy Muse, proprietor of Bayview Optical

Bravo for In-Kind Support!
Ginkgo Winery Tasting Room, manager Sonie Hansen
South Sound Magazine, editor Josh Dunn
Hawthorn Tea Room, proprietor Cathy Russell
Treos, proprietor Brad Carpenter
Old Town Starbucks, manager Kara

Standing Ovation for our Stellar Volunteers!
Jim Robbins and Dayton Knipher, photographers extraordinaire
Chris and Rob Reynolds, cookies, table setting and green boughs for the Wine & Song Benefit
Alexis McDonald, Barb Bourscheidt, Brenda and SAI sisters for managing the refreshments
Kathleen Butler, Dave Kresch and John Trueman for helping set up and break down.
Karen Trueman, Karen Oleson and Karen Goettling for greeting our guests

Thank you! all the fantastic musicians who have shared their talents and beautiful music.

Applause and a special THANK YOU to our wonderful audience.
Your support is an important aspect of the concerts. We share that give and take between audience and performers (the 12th man phenomenon!). The energy from the stage is reflected right back from you folks to the musicians. You’re the best.

Classical Tuesdays welcomes the Stadium High School Orchestra February 11

Slavonian Hall
On Tuesday February 11, Classical Tuesdays in Old Town is happy to feature the award-winning Stadium High School Orchestra. This ensemble of outstanding young musicians is under the direction of Matthew Underwood. The program for the evening will reflect the group's passion for the music and their enjoyment in performing. The vibrancy and energy is sure to fill the hall!

When & where:
Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 7pm

Slavonian Hall
2306 N. 30th St., Old Town Tacoma

Free/donations appreciated
All ages welcome
Handicap parking and access from alley

More information:
(253) 752-2135
Facebook event

Jan 14: Michael Partington, classical guitarist

Michael Partington, guitarist
(Mosaic Brass Quintet was scheduled to perform, but has an injured trumpeter.)

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town is excited to feature Michael Partington, one of the most engaging of the new generation of musicians. Praised by Classical Guitar Magazine for his “lyricism, intensity and clear technical command,” this award-winning British guitarist has performed internationally to critical praise. Michael has a charming stage manner and audiences enjoy his innate rhythm and varied, warm tone.

The concert will have a Spanish flavor including music by De Falla, Turina and Albeniz. Join us on Tuesday!

When & where:
Tuesday, January 14, 2014, 7pm

Slavonian Hall
2306 N. 30th St., Old Town Tacoma

Free/donations appreciated
All ages welcome
Handicap parking and access from alley

More information:
(253) 752-2135
Facebook event

An Evening of Operetta & Cabaret, December 10 at the John Connelly Law Offices

Our annual Wine & Song (Cabernet & Cabaret this time around!) is December 10 at 7pm.

This event is sponsored and hosted by the John Connelly Law Offices and all proceeds benefit the Classical Tuesdays in Old Town series of free concerts.

mezzo-soprano Dawn Padula

An Evening of Operetta and Cabaret. Our chanteuse  for the evening is mezzo-soprano Dawn Padula with Denes Van Parys at the piano, featuring operetta selections from Offenbach and Gilbert and Sullivan, and some Kurt Weill to represent the Berlin operetta style that crosses over to cabaret.  

On the cabaret side,songs made famous by Edith Piaf ("La vie en rose,"  "Non, je ne regrette rien") and a set of classical Cabaret Songs by William Bolcom that are great fun.  Of course, she'll finish with songs from Kander and Ebb's musical Cabaret !

Fine wines will be poured by Ginkgo Forest Winery  accompanied by a lavish array of hors d'oeuvres and sweets.


When & where:
Tuesday, December 10th, 2013, at 7 pm.
John Connelly Law Offices, 2301 N. 30th St., Old Town Tacoma

$25 tickets available at Bayview Optical, 2217 North 30th Street #106

Any remaining tickets will be available at the door at the benefit.

For more info: (253) 752-2135



Fantastic Basket will be Raffled November 12

Buy raffle tickets: support the Classical Tuesdays free concert series and win treats for yourself or get a head start on your holiday gift shopping!

South Sound Magazine has gathered many terrific items for inclusion in the Raffle Basket to be raffled off at Classical Tuesdays' November 12 concert. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased at Slavonian Hall between 6:15 and 7pm before the concert starts and also during the Intermission of the concert. The drawing will be held at the end of Intermission. Attend a great concert - performed by some of Tacoma's favorite string players - and buy tickets for a chance to win this generous basket.

The basket includes:
1-year subscriptions to South Sound Magazine and 425 Magazine ($60 value).


Gift certificates to restaurants:
a $50 gift certificate to The Melting Pot of Tacoma, a fondue restaurant, and

a $40 gift certificate to TWO KOI Japanese Cuisine  in downtown Tacoma

and a $50 gift certificate to Toscanos Cafe & Wine Bar in Puyallup.


Also exciting is the inclusion of William Cullina's beautiful book Native Ferns, Moss and Grass  (earning 5-star reviews!), an informative guide to identifying and caring for native North American plants.


 Rounding out the basket are a South Sound candle ($7), Julep Lip-Gloss ($20), samples from Cascade Eye and Skin Centers and a 2-for-1 coupon for Lunch at The Hub and Harmon Tap Room.


This basket has a total value of $250 !
Raffle tickets sell for $5 each or 3 for $12.

Attend the November 12 concert to enjoy outstanding string chamber music and try for a chance to win this generous gift basket.

Diwali Morning Concert this Saturday am - Vocal, sitar, tabla in Bellevue

Srivani Jade
An invitation from Srivani Jade: This Saturday morning...Diwali music.

Many of you will remember Srivani Jade's performance for Classical Tuesdays October 2008 in Slavonian Hall.

Diwali morning concerts, a tradition that started in Maharashtra 2 decades ago is now spreading to other parts of the country and abroad becoming an inseparable part of Diwali celebrations. The idea is to start the festivities early morning with meditative notes of classical and light music performed by renowned artists. The auditorium is decorated with colorful lanterns, rangolis and lamps. The audience comes in their best traditional attire. The entire environment is fresh and pleasant, filled with lights and colors. We are hoping to spread the same spirit through this concert here in Bellevue.

Please buy the tickets online using the link below:
http://www.pratidhwani.org/diwali-2013/

Admission:
Members of Asha, Pratidhwani, Ragamala/Seniors/Students(12+): $12 online / $15 gate
General: $15 online / $20 gate

This year again we bring you both vocal and instrumental performances featuring

Srivani Jade (Vocal), Pt. Kushal Das (Sitar), Kushaljit Das (Sitar) 
Aarshin Karande (harmonium) and Ravi Albright (Tabla)


When: Saturday, November 2nd 2013 10:00 AM
Where: Eastside Baha’i Center
16007 NE 8th St. Bellevue, WA 98008

Sponsored by Asha Seattle and Pratidhwani
Co-sponsored by Ragamala

Donations for Asha are appreciated!

Snacks and tea will be available at the venue for purchase.
--
The Anindo Chatterjee Institute of Tabla

Strings 3, 2, 1! Music for Trio, Duo and Solo! November 12, 7pm

Some of Tacoma's favorite string players are back for Classical Tuesdays' November concert.
Maria Sampen on violin, Timothy Christie on viola and David Requiro on cello will play a variety of chamber music for us; a variety of composers and styles and variety in the numbers of musicians performing.

Maria on Violin

Tim on Viola
David on Cello
Classical Tuesdays in Old Town
November 12, 7pm
Slavonian Hall, 2306 N. 30th St., Old Town Tacoma
Free.

Harpist Margaret Shelton in The News Tribune

Last week The News Tribune ran a lovely profile of harpist Margaret Shelton. Come out and enjoy Margaret's storytelling on Tuesday!

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town
Oct. 8, 7pm
Slavonian Hall, 2306 N. 30th St., Old Town Tacoma
Free.
GO Arts: Harp concert in Old Town travels the world with Margaret Shelton, UPS Watson Fellow
by Rosemary Ponnekanti
October 2, 2013

The prestigious Watson Fellowship benefits the college students who win it to the tune of $25,000, funding a year-long international odyssey of academic and personal discovery. But the trickle-down benefit of the Watson comes to Tacoma audiences next Tuesday night in the form of a free harp concert of world music, given by Watson Fellow Margaret Shelton for the Classical Tuesdays in Old Town series.

Shelton won her Watson in 2011, and spent the next year wandering the world as a traveling harpist. From China to Germany, Ireland to Spain, France and even Paraguay, where the harp is the national instrument, Shelton met local harpists, learned local tunes, played traditional instruments and even learned to make her own small traveling harp to take on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, playing music at every hostel she stayed at. ...

Next Tuesday, she’ll take the Classical Tuesdays audience around the world with her, playing everything from Chinese konghou tunes to classical French repertoire to Celtic tunes and Paraguayan folktunes. She’ll also tell the tale of the German Harfenmädchen: wandering German female harpists who traveled the Alps early last century, one of whom she met personally.

...
Hope to see you at Margaret's Oct. 8 Classical Tuesdays concert!

Harps Across the Seas, October 8 at 7pm

Classical Tuesdays welcomes Margaret Shelton performing traditional and contemporary harp music from Asia, Europe, and South America.

Join us for an evening of beautiful harp music from around the world. Tacoma harpist Margaret Shelton explored traditional and contemporary harp music from Asia, Europe and South America while traveling on a grant in 2011. Margaret was awarded the prestigious Thomas J. Watson Fellowship to study harp music, playing techniques, and cultures in fourteen countries across four continents; a journey of musical and personal discovery. Through performing, interviewing harpists, digging through museum archives and even building a small harp, Margaret discovered the rich variety of this unique instrument around the globe. I’d say Margaret’s got the world on a string.

Here are a few of the intriguing varieties we'll hear on her program from countries she visited:

China: Traditional Konghou harp tunes
Ireland: Traditional Irish tunes
Germany: Songs from 19th-century Harfenmädchen traveling harpists
France: Classical Harp pieces (i.e. Debussy, Faure)
Paraguay: Traditional Arpa Paraguaya

When & where:

Tuesday, October 8, 7pm

Slavonian Hall
2306 N. 30th St., Old Town Tacoma

Free/donations appreciated
All ages welcome
Handicap parking and access from alley

More information:
(253) 752-2135

Large turnout for Drums in the Park!

Thanks all for coming to the opening event of the 9th season of Classical Tuesdays in Old Town. On September 10, we had a great turnout of folks from the Old Town neighborhood and from throughout the Puget Sound region gathering in Old Town Park!

Thione Diop & Yeke Yeke on the new stage

The weather was perfect and the sprawling lawn beckoned chairs, blankets and picnics. The newly constructed stage in the park was the center of attention.

Quite an array of drums!
Thanks to The Spar for the use of their sound system, Thione Diop and the Yeke Yeke West African Ensemble filled Old Town Park with the beats and timbres of their traditional drums. Thione's "talking drum" was amazing!
Yeke Yeke Ensemble


And especially inviting was the Yeke Yeke's dancer Sumaya Diop. She enticed many from the audience to join in the dancing! 
Sumaya's great smile & movements!

Thanks! to Rosemary Ponnekanti of the TNT, Matt Nagle of Tacoma Weekly and Amanda Westbrooke and the team at TVTacoma's CityLine for helping to get the word out about this year's Classical Tuesdays season, September through February.

Over 200 enjoyed the music, the sunshine and neighbors on the grass
(photo by Jim Robbins)

African Drums in Old Town Park, September 10th

Senegalese artist Thione Diop
Join us to kick off Classical Tuesdays in Old Town's 9th season!

African Drums in Old Town Park
Tuesday, September 10
5:30pm
2350 N. 30th St., Tacoma
Family friendly and free!

We open the season on Old Town Park's new stage. Bring chairs and blankets to sit on. Neighborhood eateries offer beverages and light meals.

We'll feature the fabulous Thione Diop and the Yeke Yeke West African drum ensemble.  Thione is a terrific drummer, teacher and person.  I'm delighted to introduce him to our community.

Thione Diop was born in 1978 to a Griot family in Senegal, West Africa. Griots are hereditary artists who carry the responsibility of preserving history, values, and cultural identity, dedicating their lives to art. His father already a renowned sabar drummer, Thione began playing the sabar and djembe at the age of five. After becoming an acclaimed performer, he moved to Seattle, Washington, where he began teaching in addition to performing, mostly in the Northwest.

For more information:
http://classicaltuesdays.blogspot.com
253-752-2135

9th Season opens September 10th in Old Town Park

Click for 2013-14 season poster
September 10
Concert in the Park

October 8
Harps Across the Seas

November 12
String Trios

December 10
Wine & Song Benefit: Operetta and Cabaret

  • Soprano Dawn Padula and pianist Denes Van Parys
  • At Connelly Law Offices
  • Join us for music, wine and party foods.
  • Tickets $25
January 14
Mosaic Brass Quintet

  • At Slavonian Hall
February 11
Stadium High School Orchestra

  • At Slavonian Hall

When & where:

Slavonian Hall except where noted
2306 N. 30th St., Old Town Tacoma

Tuesday, 7pm
(5:30 for the Concert in the Park

Free/donations appreciated
All ages welcome
Handicap parking and access from alley

More information:
(253) 752-2135

Bonus concert! Arabian 'oud, March 19th at Slavonian Hall



Simone Shaheen, 'oud
 Join us for a terrific bonus concert, extending our Classical Tuesdays series!

Come out and hear Arabic 'oud performer Simone Shaheen, thanks to a generous last-minute offer from the Broadway Performing Arts Center, and thanks to Slavonian Hall for their lovely space.

A quick bio:
Simone Shaheen dazzles his listeners as he deftly leaps from traditional Arabic sounds to jazz and Western classical styles. His soaring technique, melodic ingenuity, and unparalleled grace have earned him international acclaim as a virtuoso on the ‘oud and violin. Shaheen is one of the most significant Arab musicians, performers, and composers of his generation. His work incorporates and reflects a legacy of Arabic music, while it forges ahead to new frontiers, embracing many different styles in the process.
Video:
When & where:

Slavonian Hall
2306 N. 30th St., Tacoma

Tuesday, March 19, 2013,  7pm

Free/donations appreciated
All ages welcome
Handicap parking and access from alley

More information:
(253) 752-2135

Classical Tuesdays' 8th Season Ends; 9th Season Planning Underway

Thank you for making Classical Tuesdays' 8th season our best yet!

Bygdedeal dancers with Hale Bill and the Bopps

From Hale Bill and the Bopps to string trios, Tacoma composers' new music for saxophones to the Tacoma Symphony Chorus, we filled Slavonian Hall with good music and good friends every month. And our annual Wine & Song benefit concert at Connelly Law Offices was once again a tremendous success.

Thanks to our audience, our performers, and the Old Town businesses and volunteers that support Classical Tuesdays. We so appreciate the generosity of the local businesses. For example, Old Town Starbucks has generously donated coffee these 8 years for the intermissions. Cathy of the Hawthorn Tea Room donates lovely teas and cookies. Treos donated coffee for this month’s season finale.

We're already planning Classical Tuesdays' 9th season!

The Tacoma Arts Commission has sponsored Classical Tuesdays since we first began, and has already committed to sponsorship for our 9th season.  And the Slavonian American Benevolent Society has once again offered us their beautiful Slavonian Hall.

Mark your calendars! The next season's performance dates will be:
  • September 10, 2013 (6pm, outdoors at the new Old Town Park stage)
  • October 8, 2013
  • November 12, 2013
  • December 10, 2013 (our annual benefit at Connelly Law Offices)
  • January 14, 2014
  • February 11, 2014

News Tribune: A Chorus for Valentine's Day

Geoffrey Boers leads the
Tacoma Symphony Chorus
The News Tribune highlights our upcoming concert as a passionate choral Valentine!

Want to get some Valentine's Day credit in advance?  Then take your honey to hear some passionate choral music....  The TSO Chorus concert is in the cozy Slavonian Hall in Old Town, and it's part of the monthly free Classical Tuesdays in Old Town series.
Join us on Tuesday, February 12th, at 7pm.  More details here.

Classical Tuesdays final concert of season. After-party at Treos

The Chorus is coming! For the closing concert of our 8th season, Classical Tuesdays in Old Town welcomes the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Join us for this free concert in Slavonian Hall on Tuesday February 12 at 7pm.

The News Tribune and Tacoma Weekly recommend this event for the coming week (Valentine's week date?).The concert will feature highlights of the chorus' current season. Led by Director Geoffrey Boers, the TSO Chorus will sing movements from Handel's Messiah, selections from this winter's "Sonic Delights" concert and a preview of their upcoming Spring concert.

After the concert gather with us at the new Treos espresso/wine & beer bar in Old Town neighborhood.They’ll have baristas waiting and ovens heated, ready to greet us. This is a special no-host preview for the friends of Classical Tuesdays– Treos is opening next week!
Treos is located at 2312 N. 30th St., in Old Town.

Treos in Old Town

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town
Slavonian Hall, 2306 N. 30th Street
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 7pm

Free/donations appreciated
All ages welcome
Handicap parking and access from alley
(253) 752-2135 http://classicaltuesdays.blogspot.com

A free event thanks to the support of the Slavonian - American Benevolent Society,Tacoma Arts Commission, Columbia Bank, Sigma Alpha Iota and Treos Life.

Highlights of TSC Season: Tacoma Symphony Chorus sings on February 12 for Old Town

Tacoma Symphony Chorus
The Chorus is coming! Join us for a free concert by the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra Chorus in Slavonian Hall on Tuesday February 12 at 7pm.

The 60 voice TSO Chorus will fill the historic Old Town hall with highlights of their current season. Led by Director Geoffrey Boers, they will sing movements from Handel's Messiah, a few selections from this winter's "Sonic Delights" concert and a preview of their upcoming Spring concert with the Tacoma Youth Chorus.

Columbia Bank and Sigma Alpha Iota Tacoma alumnae chapter have helped sponsor this event.



Join us for this evening with the TSO Chorus in Slavonian Hall!
2306 N. 30th Street, Old Town Tacoma
February 12, 2013 7pm

Free/voluntary donation
Handicap accessible from the alley

For more info call 253.752.2135

Sax Concert in Weekly Volcano

The Spew appears to have prune whip and jungle drums on its mind. Thankfully, Classical Tuesdays' next concert will be catered by Starbucks and the Hawthorn Tea Room!

5 Things To Do Today:

Conventional wisdom dictates that you'd rather spend Tuesday night watching the ION Channel and sharing a big bowl of prune whip with your great aunt Martha than venturing out to hear a band comprised of drums, marimba, congas and found sounds. But in this case, conventional wisdom would be wrong. Unless, of course, you're a big fan of Criminal Minds. Tonight, Saxophonist Erik Steighner will perform on alto, baritone and soprano saxes as part of the Classical Tuesday series at the Slavonian Hall in Old Town Tacoma. Trumpeter Zachary Lyman will join him for the 7 p.m. concert.

Come join us on Tuesday! More details here.
(No prune whip, we promise.)

The Weekly likes us! They really like us!

Check out the latest Tacoma Weekly!

The Things We Like:

CLASSICAL TUESDAYS
Classical Tuesday in Old Town presents new music for the New Year. On Jan. 8, Saxophonist Erik Steighner will perform a fun and unusual program in Slavonian Hall (2306 N. 30th St.) featuring a variety of instrumentation, soundscapes and pre-recorded electronics with Steighner on alto, baritone and soprano saxes and trumpeter Zachary Lyman joining him. Hear premieres of pieces by Tacoma composers Deborah Anderson and Greg Youtz. This free/voluntary donation event begins at 7 p.m.
Published in the Tacoma Weekly
Thursday, 3 January 2013
Join us on Tuesday! More details here.

New Music for the New Year: Erik Steighner on Saxophone

On January 8, 2013, 7pm,  Erik Steighner will play a fun and unusual program in Slavonian Hall.

Erik Steighner

The evening will feature a variety of instrumentation and soundscapes;Erik will perform on alto, baritone and soprano saxes and has invited trumpeter Zachary Lyman to join him on the program. Adding further aural interest, two compositions incorporate pre-recorded electronics.

And, very exciting because Classical Tuesdays celebrates Tacoma composers, we'll hear premieres of pieces by Tacomans Deborah Anderson and Greg Youtz.

Join us for this evening of Saxes in Slavonian Hall!
2306 N. 30th Street, Old Town Tacoma
January 8, 2013 7pm

For more info call 253.752.2135

A festive 2012 Wine & Song benefit for Classical Tuesdays held at the Connelly Law Offices

Thanks to all the Classical Tuesdays supporters who joined us for a delightful evening of Wine & Song on December 8, 2012.  Our gracious hosts, Jack and Angela Connelly and the Connelly Law Offices, had decked the hall for the holidays. Lights shone on the highly polished woodwork and green boughs were strung.
A full house of supporters at Wine & Song 2012
Because a grand piano is in the Connelly Law lobby, we enjoy featuring voice and piano each year. For this year’s affair Christina Kowalski, soprano, and pianist Denes Van Parys performed a selection of captivating songs by Franz Schubert.

Denes Van Parys and Christina Kowalski

For the reception, local wine shop merchant Katrina Lange of 21 Cellars donated lovely wines, as did Kathy Manke (The Spar), Josh Dunn of South Sound Magazine, and John and Karen Trueman. As she has each year, Chris Reynolds set a lovely table. Barb Bourscheidt, Kathleen Butler and Joan Iverson set out the food and John Trueman handled the wines. Barb, Chris, Karen, John, Cathy Russell (of Hawthorn Tea Room) and Kathy Westlin prepared many lovely and tasty foods, both sweets and savories. Jim Robbins took these great photos!
A festive gathering of friends


Thanks to all of you for your tremendous support! Our ninth season is in the works – lots more great music to look forward to.

Artistic Director Pamela Ryker



Tacoma Weekly likes Wine & Song; so will you!

Christina Kowalski, soprano
We like what the Tacoma Weekly likes....

The Things We Like:
WINE & SONG
The festive annual Wine & Song benefit event is next on the calendar for Classical Tuesdays in Old Town, 7 p.m. on Dec. 11 in the lounge of the beautifully refurbished Connelly Law Offices in Old Town (2301 N. 30th St.). Two fine musicians are back by popular demand: soprano Christina Kowalski and pianist Denes Van Parys will perform a delightful and stirring set of songs by Romantic Era composer Franz Schubert, the prince of song. The music will be followed by a lavish offering of finger foods – savories and sweets – and tasty wines. Enjoy a convivial evening in Old Town and help support Classical Tuesdays, now in its eighth season! $25 tickets available at Bayview Optical (2217 N. 30th St., #106) and at the door. More info: (253) 752-2135.

Published in the Tacoma Weekly
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Join us Dec. 11 for Wine & Song!  More details here.

Wine & Song December 11: Schubertiade

Christina Kowalski
Our festive annual Wine & Song benefit event is next on Classical Tuesdays' calendar. We'll gather at 7pm on December 11, in the lounge of the beautifully refurbished Connelly Law Offices in Old Town neighborhood (2301 North 30th Street).

We're thrilled to have two fine musicians back by popular demand:  soprano Christina Kowalski and pianist Denes Van Parys will perform a delightful and stirring set of songs by Romantic Era composer Franz Schubert, the prince of song.

The music will be followed by a lavish offering of finger foods - savories and sweets - and tasty wines.

Join us for a convivial evening in Old Town and help support Classical Tuesdays, now in its 8th season!

Download or print a flyer

When & where:
Tuesday, December 11th, 2012, at 7 pm.
John Connelly Law Offices, 2301 N. 30th St., Old Town Tacoma

$25 tickets available at Bayview Optical, 2217 North 30th Street #106

Any remaining tickets will be available at the door at the benefit.

For more info: (253) 752-2135

String Trios in the Volcano!

Tonight's Classical Tuesdays concert is in The Weekly Volcano's Spew:

5 Things To Do Today:

Maria Sampen, Tim Christie and David Requiro will perform the music of Zoltan Kodaly, Gordon Jacob and J.S. Bach as part of the Classical Tuesdays In Old Town series. The trio hit the chairs at 7 p.m. inside the Slavonian Hall.

Join us tonight at 7pm! More details here.

Nov.13 String Trio a News Tribune Critic's Pick

Maria Sampen (violin)
Our Nov. 13 concert is a News Tribune Critic’s Pick!

UPS-based Maria Sampen (violin), Tim Christie (viola) and David Requiro (cello) fill Slavonian Hall with Kodaly, Bach and Gordon Jacob this Tuesday in the monthly free Classical Tuesdays in Old Town concert.

7 p.m. Nov. 13. Freewill donation. Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St., Tacoma. 253-752-2135, classicaltuesdays.blogspot.com
Come join us!  More details here.

String Trio performs Varied Program Nov. 13!

Maria Sampen
CLASSICAL TUESDAYS IN OLD TOWN is happy to welcome back  popular musicians violinist Maria Sampen and violist Tim Christie and their colleague cellist David Requiro, all on the music faculty at the University of Puget Sound.

The program offers an array of beautiful and outstanding works for strings. The pieces are varied by the century and the country of origin and by the size of ensemble. Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodaly's Duo for Violin and Cello, Six Shakespearian Sketches for string trio by Englishman Gordon Jacob and a solo suite by J.S. Bach (German/Saxon) represent a wide swath of European classical  music. They span from the early-18th Century Baroque era of Bach to the early-20th Century composer Kodaly and mid-20th Century Jacob.

We're excited to hear these fantastic musicians, and invite you to join us for this lovely program!

7 p.m. Nov. 13, Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St., Tacoma.
Freewill donation. 253-752-2135

Raffle Gift Basket, Tickets at Bayview Optical

A beautiful and bountiful Gift Basket has been assembled for a Raffle Drawing to benefit the Classical Tuesdays in Old Town music series.

Some of the Items in the Basket: gift certificates to the high-end Clara Spa and Savi Day Spa, both in downtown Tacoma, and Seattle Sun Tan (2 locations in North End Tacoma), for the region's outstanding Watson's Greenhouse & Nursery, and the award-winning Purple and Lot No.3 restaurants in Bellevue and downtown Tacoma's Varsity Grill. And 1-year subscriptions to South Sound Magazine and 425 Magazine, two gorgeous glossy magazines that focus on homes and lifestyles in the Northwest. Mugs and coffee and a wine are tucked in the Basket as well!

The basket is available for all to view at Bayview Optical in Old Town, 2217 North 30th Street, #106  Tacoma, WA 98403. Bayview's phone is 253.627.2818. 

Raffle tickets are available for  $1/or 6 for $5 at Bayview Optical  and at the November 13th concert for this beautiful GIFT basket. The drawing will be held during intermission at the Nov 13th String Trio concert and you need not be present to win.

Our thanks to Josh Dunn and the staff of South Sound Magazine for gathering the gifts.

Support your local musicians! Buy Raffle tickets $1/6 for $5. Only 2 weeks remaining.

Full House for Oct 9 Scandinavians in Old Town

Our thanks to all of you for a fantastic season opener!

Classical Tuesdays filled Slavonian Hall and Old Town district with fiddle playing and foot stomping in traditional Scandinavian music and dance. Thanks to Hale Bill & the Bopps and to the Bygdedeal dance group!

Thanks too to photographer Dayton Knipher for capturing the energy and merriment of the evening.

A great time was had by all!


Hale Bill & the Bopps, with the Bygdedeal dancers


Tacoma Arts blog on Classical Tuesdays

Thanks to Tacoma Arts, the Classical Tuesdays October 9th Scandinavian performance has a blog entry and photos here:

Scandinavia Comes to Old Town
Tacoma Arts blog, Oct 8, 2012

Check out the photos, and then come out Tuesday night and enjoy the fun!

Click here for more information on tomorrow's event.

Scandinavia in Old Town a Critic's Pick

Classical Tuesdays' October 9th event is a News Tribune Critic's Pick!  Come out and enjoy the fun!


Old Town Tuesdays kicks off with a Scandinavian romp
By Rosemary Ponnekanti, The News Tribune, Oct 5, 2012

The free Classical Tuesdays series in Old Town begins this week with an evening of traditional Scandinavian folk music, performed on Norwegian hardingfele and Swedish nyckelharpa by Hale Bill and the Bopps, with dance by Bygdedeal in traditional costumes. 7 p.m. Oct. 9. Free. Slavonian Hall, 2306 N. 30th St., Tacoma. 253-752-2135, classicaltuesdays.blogspot.com

Click here for more on the event.

Season opener: Bygdedeal in Tacoma Weekly!

Kick up your heels! The Tacoma Weekly announces our season opener:

Classical Tuesdays

MUSIC – Scandinavia comes to Old Town during the Classical Tuesdays music series on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. Hale Bill & the Bopps play Scandinavian dance music, joined by Bygededeal dance group in Norwegian and Swedish costumes. The performance takes place at Slavonian Hall, located at 2306 N. 30th St. Admission is free, and donations are accepted.

Published in the Tacoma Weekly
Wednesday, 3 October 2012

Come and kick off the Classical Tuesdays season! More details here.

October 9th: Scandinavia Comes to Old Town

Join us for the opening of the Classical Tuesdays 2012-13 season!

Hale Bill & the Bopps, a group that hales from and bops around the Puget
Sound region, plays traditional Scandinavian dance music and includes some original tunes in every set. Anticipate a variety of sounds coming from fiddles (including the Norwegian hardingfele and the Swedish nyckelharpa), keyboards and voices. All good fun!

Bygdedeal is a dance group from Seattle (bygdedanser refers to village dances dating back centuries). All members have earned dance medals from Svenska Ungdomsringen for Bygdekultur for their mastery of Swedish folk dancing. When not traveling in Norway and Sweden, they perform at Northwest Folklife and other events and teach for Skandia Folkdance Society in Seattle. The dancers wear traditional Swedish and Norwegian folk costumes, which add color and beauty to their lively performances. Be prepared to be entertained!

Tuesday, Oct. 9th, 2012, at 7 pm.
Free or voluntary donation.
Slavonian Hall, 2306 N. 30th St., Old Town Tacoma
For more info: (253)752-2135

8th Season of Classical Tuesdays in Old Town!

Announcing our 2012-2013 Season

2nd Tuesdays at 7pm in Slavonian Hall, Old Town Tacoma

October 9: Scandinavia Comes to Old Town
Come hear Hale Bill & the Bopps, joined by Bygdedeal showcasing the dance traditions of Scandinavia.

November 13: String Trios
Performed by our popular string players Maria Sampen on violin, Tim Christie on viola, and David Requiro on cello.

December 11: Wine & Song “Schubertiade”
Soprano Christina Kowalski and pianist Denes Van Parys, both back by popular demand, with songs of Schubert for our annual benefit. Followed by wine and party foods. Held at Connelly Law Offices. Tickets $25

January 8, 2013: New Works for Sax
Saxophonist Erik Steighner plays new works including pieces by Tacoma composers Deborah Anderson and Greg Youtz.

February 12: Tacoma Symphony Chorus
The Tacoma Symphony Chorus in songs befitting the season of love. Directed by Geoffrey Boers.

Join us for another great season of music and community!

All free concerts are performed at the Slavonian Hall, 2306 N. 30th St., Old Town Tacoma.

The December benefit will be held at the John Connelly Law Offices, across the street from Slavonian Hall.

*Click here to print out a poster - spread the word!

For more info: (253)752-2135